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The utilization of thermomechanical pulp fibers in WPC : A review
Author(s) -
Mertens Oliver,
Gurr Julius,
Krause Andreas
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
journal of applied polymer science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.575
H-Index - 166
eISSN - 1097-4628
pISSN - 0021-8995
DOI - 10.1002/app.45161
Subject(s) - ultimate tensile strength , materials science , pulp (tooth) , composite material , composite number , polymer , cellulose fiber , natural fiber , fiber , polymer science , medicine , pathology
Thermomechanical pulp (TMP), among other natural fibers, features characteristics that make it a promising candidate for the utilization in polymer composites. This review is providing an overview on the current state of research on TMP reinforced polymer composites. More than 50 references were reviewed. The cited literature is catalogued according to pretreatments, batch or continuous procedures, processing at laboratory or industrial scale, fiber contents, polymer types, coupling agents as well as wood species. The reinforcing potential of TMP utilized in composites is demonstrated. Tensile strength was found to be peaking at a fiber content of around 40 wt %. Fiber morphology is presumed to be an important determinator for composite properties. Specific mechanical energy [kWh/kg] is presented as an indicator suitable to compare the influence of various processes on fiber morphology. Furthermore, the feed‐in and dosing issue that generally accompanies the utilization of cellulosic fibers is described and possible solutions are discussed. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134 , 45161.